Etsy's Handmade Blog
Trends: Gothic Lolita
Story by TeenAngster
Published on October 1, 2008 in Spotlight 		Photo by

Simon Pais Thomas on Flickr

The Gothic Lolita trend has crossed over from Japan's Harajuku district to America's city streets, with many varied styles and subgenres resulting as variations on the theme.

According to a recent New York Times article on Gothic Lolita culture, "Theirs is a world in which the childhood fantasy of Alice in Wonderland seems to collide full force with the Addams Family. Its myriad influences include Victorian children’s wear, the French Rococo period, goth-inspired darkness and Japanese anime...The style, which emerged from the Japanese street fashion scene in the 1990s, has many incarnations and subsects, among them Elegant Gothic Lolitas, Erotic Lolitas, Gory Lolitas, Sweet Lolitas and White Lolitas. While some practitioners veer toward the goth influence with inky black garb, others emphasize what they describe as 'cuteness' expressed through pastel colors and pretty bows."

The article also stresses how many of the fashions favored by Lolitas are constructed by independent artisans, as the subculture still exists as such a niche market. (With many turning to Etsy for up and coming styles!)

[Photo by Cria-cow on Flickr]                                         [Photo by Alain Christian on Flickr]

This collection of Gothic Lolita inspired clothing and accessories is for your viewing pleasure. Whether you're a petticoat-wearing member of the Gothic Lolita gang or simply a voyeur to their magnificent fashion, these items are for you!

Fashion | Trends | Search for Items Tagged "Gothic Lolita"

Tags accessories, clothing, fashion, Gothic Lolita, Japan, New York Times, shopping, style, Trends
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62 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 1, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. Wilya

great im glad etsy find some interest in that great fashion ^^

Oct. 1, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. GreighdayVintage

These types of design have always appealed to me. So beautiful and mysterious.

Oct. 1, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. GrandmaWasAFloozy

I heart my Gothic Lolita clients! I actually made a pair of my Vamp & Vixen cuffs for one of them with "Gothic" on one and "Lolita" on the other - so chic! I particularly love the Elegant and White Lolitas - the more over-the-top, the better. You can't help but respect that level of commitment!

I have a dress by SkyCreation, and I absolutely love it!! In fact, I'll be wearing it to the Brooklyn Indie Market's Steampunk Day on October 25. Hope to see y'all there ;0

Oct. 1, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. CutieDynamite

Glad to see people are catching on! Also search tags for "lolita" and "egl" for more!

Oct. 1, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. shulamite

As much as I hate to be a fly in the ointment, many (if not most) of those listings spotlighted above don't actually conform to the lolita style :/

Check out the Japanese brands such as Metamorphose, Angelic Pretty and Innocent World and you'll see that short skirts and the like just aren't part of the style :/

Oct. 1, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. katelynjane

I love these items (: Even if they aren't officially Lolita style...Shuuulamite :b

Oct. 1, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. AileenFairycat

I LOVE LOLITA!!!! I wish I could get more in my size (tall and big busted). I make hair pieces for lolita as well.

But I hate to say that shulamite, much of this is not what I would call lolita.

These shops are so lolita!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Here's hoping lolita is the next steampunk!!!

Oct. 1, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. AileenFairycat

That is I agree wiith shulamite ;)

Oct. 1, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. dancingcircle

I do love black and white - really never goes out of style!

Oct. 1, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. conejitoasesino

I so love the victorian gothyness of these creations. American style GothLoli is a little sexier than it's asian counterpart but I've been to Japan and let me tell you there are definetely short skirted Lolis running around Harajuko. It's style man, there are no rules! Thanks for the listings!

Oct. 1, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. MagnoliaFern

If you like the fashion but can't afford it check out the small phone charm dresses I have! The simple black dress is my favorite!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 1, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. dogties

Love the Gothic look!
Great items.

Oct. 1, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. Corpseknit

Lovely gothic lolita inspired pieces! Thank you for covering this style that is so dear to me, and for including my work in your collection!

Oct. 1, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. mpaperarts

sexy stuff - geesh!

Oct. 1, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. Cajajewelry

I love this gothic lolita look.

Oct. 1, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. ThePattypanShop

This style reminds me of the Soul Calibur character Amy.

Oct. 1, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. prisma

I agree with shulamite! They try to cover up a lot of the skin, most of the time, or at least wear stockings/panty hose/etc.

Props such as stuffed animals and parasols are a must, too. Not to mention bags/purses!

Oct. 1, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. zwzzy

GAH I love it! Makes me want to stroll through Harajuku again! Thanks for posting the Wednesday Addams dress too! ox.

Oct. 1, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. Jhanwyn

Gothic Lolita in Japan is a contracted form of "Gothic and Lolita" and therefore is many things. It is not just cute, and can often encompass punk elements as well. The high-end brands mentioned by the lolita-fan above are mostly examples of sweet lolita and this is a style all of its own. So, the pieces selected above definitely fit into this genre.

Also, don't forget about casual lolita. Not all lolita fans have the time or the money to dress in full rococco gear every day - so they pick one or two elements and piece it with more everyday clothes.

Also, please don't confuse the Gothic and Lolita styles just with Harajuku fashion. Harajuku is just one famous fashion spot in Japan - but Harajuku is not Gothic Lolita and Gothic Lolita is not Harajuku!

Anyway, so ends my fashion lecture for today! ^_^

P.S. Love all these items, TeenAngster!

Oct. 1, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. pommepomme

I must agree with shulamite - While this list is filled with lovely items, there is little here that follows the true aesthetic of Gothic & Lolita.

Oct. 1, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. americangeiko

I <3 EGL. Crowns and Mini Top hats are some of my favorite things to make!

Oct. 2, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. ladycathead

I'm a huge fan of 18th century pre-revolutionary fashion and I enjoy elements of victoriana too. I daydream and drag out my sewing machine & look forward to spending summer weekends at my local renaissance faire. The goth Lolita look can be very charming & I love looking at it. Though I'd feel kind of silly dressing up as Wednesday Adams meets Little Bo Peep to go to work...I'm not exactly a teen or even a 20-something anymore! LOL But I love popping on my black mini tricorn with its Russian veiling to top off a frilly white blouse and jeans to go out for dinner or cocktails. Super cute and so fun! And I love my white batiste lace parasol to keep sun off me when I go to outdoor flea markets.

Thank you for the article and bringing attention to something lovely & inspiring. :)

Oct. 2, 2008 at 1:55 a.m. ValerieTyler

GORGEOUS---love this style!

Oct. 2, 2008 at 2:21 a.m. pictureperfectsummer

I'm so in love with this style that I could melt. Being a mom of 2, there aren't many occasions I have to put together beautiful collections like these but when I do, watch out!

Oct. 2, 2008 at 4:15 a.m. misskittycharms

I think i've found a few new favourites!
that mini top hat is just... ooh. i need that!

Oct. 2, 2008 at 5:48 a.m. LushPunk

There's some good stuff in here :D

Oct. 2, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. archeress

Great seeing Shrinkle up on here, she's still new to Etsy (less than a year). :) I think the overall gothic lolita look is pretty cool.

Oct. 2, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. fetishghost

Lace, skulls, and fishnet stockings.. gotta love it!

Oct. 2, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. Countessa

What a fun take on this lovely style, I'm honored to be included among such great pieces.

Oct. 2, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. TeenAngster

Post any Lolita items you think are appropriate in the comments! Let's keep this dialogue a flowin'.

Oct. 2, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. souixanne

Those are really interesting pieces. I like the that each could be part of the "look" but can be put but together with such great and original personal style.

Oct. 2, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. ImmatureCouture

GothLoli has -many- different depths and influences and has evolved and changed MANY times since it erupted in the early 90's. It came from a Victorian base with a desire to duplicate the porcelain dolls that are both pretty and plain. I know a lot about this sub-culture. I saw it every summer in Japan when I visited my family in Tokyo and my Aunt was very involved with it (and still is). Yes, there are short skirts. Yes, there are sexier versions. There are many sub-cultures within this amazing and constantly evolving sub-culture.

Shirorori (White Loli)- is the GothLoli where they wear primarily white.

Kurorori (Black Loli) - They wear primarily black and dark colors

Gurorori - Is considered gore or gross. Wide range of colors and fashion but they wear bandages, wear fake blood, have scary contacts and do a lot of great eye makeup.

Punk GothLoli obviously have more of a punk influence to it.

These are the primary "Authentic" GothLoli fashions... however, all the other "influenced" GothLoli fashions are just as accepted in the sub-culture.

I applaud all of the designers that were featured in this and I love how it was put together! This is very close to my heart! I actually just listed a piece that my daughter and I designed that was GothLoli influenced after I was showing her pictures from my childhood in Harajuku.

Oct. 2, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. ImmatureCouture

Oh and here is one of my favorite mini tophats which is VERY hot with GothLoli:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 2, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. kmwatkins

Very cool yet kind of sophisticated at the same time. I like it alot!

Oct. 2, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. PoisonedCreations

I love MeowKiki!!

Oct. 2, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. KendraNakamura

Yes ^^ : heather , Me ........... very great

Oct. 2, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. KalliopeJewelry

Great collection and fascinating posts. This style is complicated and lovely, just like people.

Elegant Goth

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 2, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. HeatherlyDesigns

so glad i happened upon this article. it was very interesting and then i saw my ring! thanks :)

Oct. 2, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. skycreation

Thank you for including my dress!
and also to GrandmaWasAFloozy for your kind comment!
I'm going to be smiling for the rest of the week:)

Oct. 2, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. skycreation

Thank you for including my dress!
and also to GrandmaWasAFloozy for your kind comment!
I'm going to be smiling for the rest of the week:)

Oct. 2, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. stilettoheights

I hearted almost everything here. what a great feature.

Oct. 2, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. MeowKikiClothing

Yayyy, awesome picks! Thanks for including my skirt! :)

Oct. 2, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. poppyswickedgarden

It is wonderful that etsy is catching onto the beauty of EGL style!

Oct. 3, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. GothBarbie

i love the candy sweet side of goth!
i'm often the only one wearing PINK at the goth club i frequent.
but i think the Goth subculture is all about fantasy and using your imagination so looking like you stepped right out of a story book fits nicely.

Oct. 3, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. PrettyPetalsSoap

What a beautiful collection of Gothic Lolita! It was great to see these wonderful designs featured in the Storque. I love seeing the works of all these talented young designers, they are truly amazing!!!

Oct. 3, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. Monkeys

The items are very nice and all.. but not very lolita for the most part IMO =)

Oct. 3, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. secretartstudio

I love the collection even though I don't understand the gothic culture.Maybe I need to go darker...

Oct. 4, 2008 at 6:09 a.m. TackyChic

love the skirt with poofy bit!

Oct. 4, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. nicedaydesigns

Great finds. I love those taschen(or is it phaidon,I always mix them up) books on japanese street wear,they have been a real inspiration to me.

Oct. 4, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. TaintedParadise

The collection is nice, altough does it really define gothic lolita well? I'm not so sure. But I do like the items; victorian-inspired stuff is always pleasing to me.

Oct. 4, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. handmadeLUXURY

Love it...Victorian, feminine, and a little trampy.

Oct. 5, 2008 at 1:20 a.m. 2tonekitten

I "heart" loli fashions!

Oct. 5, 2008 at 4:20 a.m. MonasMane

I love lolita. cutesy gothic!

Oct. 7, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. achildofdestiny

love it

Oct. 8, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. MarianBlack83

Awesome! MeowKiki is the best!

Oct. 8, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. Aranwen

Interesting article, thanks for featuring one of my items :)

Oct. 12, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. MeghanT

Gorgeous stuff. I love this trend. I have one or two gothic lolita accessories. I love the leg warmers that are featured above!

Oct. 12, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. suzanneartist

When I was little I remember balloon petty coats, girls would blow them up for extra poofness. I like the look but hate to think the name has any connotation with "that book". But I'm fascinated by this movement has it taken hold in other countries besides Japan and America?

Nov. 1, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. friskyspinster

I make up my own look, using elements of all the crazy things I have in my closet. A man's fitted vest over a lace shirt with extra long loose lace ruffle sleeves and collar, a bow tie, and knee length pencil skirt with granny boots covered by leg warmers with lacing, for example...

Dec. 28, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. lsad

It's great!

June 17, 2009 at 1:29 p.m. MinkaStar

A Beautiful influence to our culture, but its missing a modern twist in some aspects of the style (imo which can be taken or left behind :)). At the moment I prefer punk lolita,because it explores more of that missing aspect. I can't wait to see how designers take a play on this one, I see alot of trendy things coming out from this style.

Oct. 17, 2009 at 9:18 a.m. cadaverprincess

it looks like half of the items can be used in Lolita's subculture fashion "Gothic Lolita" and the other half looks like just "Goth" clothing to me.

I'm going to agree with shulamite that it doesn't conform to most of Lolita Fashion's rules.

Although I have a feeling people might be geting confused because the most popular mook is called "Gothic _AND_ Lolita" and people automatically think it is "Gothic Lolita" (Also the pattern mook Gosu Rori.) Or just because people seem to popularize Gothic Lolita as a full fahion not realizing it is the subculture of Lolita Fashion.

Either way as Goth or as Lolita, all these items are gorgeous and I would gladly wear them all separately. :D

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